--- title: San Diego Whale Watching Cruise by Flagship Cruises slug: san-diego-whale-watching-cruise-flagship-cruises type: attraction sub_type: whale watching source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/san-diego-whale-watching-cruise-flagship-cruises city: San Diego state: CA country: US address: 990 North Harbor Drive geo: lat: 32.71518 lng: -117.17333 cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T21:01:42.270Z availability: SoldOut rating: value: 4 count: 4265 scale: 5 --- ## Overview Be on the lookout for gray whales, humpbacks, and other sea creatures on this 3.5-hour San Diego whale watching cruise. Enjoy stunning 360-degree views from the 2-story yacht while an onboard guide shares insights about these gentle giants. Each year, about 20,000 gray whales migrate from the Bering Sea to Baja California and back, and this educational excursion offers a chance to witness their amazing journey along with sightings of fin whales, humpbacks, minke whales, dolphins, sea lions, and more. ## What's Included - Whale watching cruise on a 2-story yacht - Onboard guide with live commentary - Comfortable outdoor seating ## Good to Know * Seating is first come first serve basis. * Dress in layers - temperature and wind are unpredictable. * Bring camera and binoculars. * Guarantee of seeing a whale. * Tours operate during whale watching season, mid-December through April. * If prone to seasickness, consider medication in advance. ## Frequently Asked Questions about San Diego Whale Watching Cruise by Flagship Cruises ### Will we really see whales on this San Diego whale watching cruise? Yes. San Diego is one of the top gray whale-watching destinations in the world. ### What is the best time to go whale watching, in the morning or afternoon? Your chances of seeing whales are the same on the morning or afternoon cruise. ### What day of the week is better? Your chances of seeing whales are the same no matter what the day of the week, however, weekend tours tend to be more crowded. ### Where should I park? Flagship Cruises & Events does not offer on-site parking. Metered parking is available along the waterfront with a maximum of 3 hours. Paid parking is available at the Ace Parking lot next to the USS Midway, at the B Street Pier Parking Lot (ABM Parking) and off Pacific Highway at the corner of Broadway and Pacific Highway. Look for “Cruise Ship Terminal” Parking. The Midway lot is the cheapest option for all-day parking. ### What else will we see on this San Diego whale watching cruise? In addition to California gray whale adults and calves, you could also see finback whales, blue whales, humpback whales, minke, killer, and false killer whales. Additionally, you could see pods of hundreds of dolphins including risso's, common, and white sided, and other marine life such as sea lions and a variety of coastal birds. ### Is smoking allowed? No, smoking is not allowed on the vessel. ### How far will we cruise into the ocean? At the beginning of the season, the southbound whales swim closer to the coast, so the maximum distance is about 3-5 miles. Toward the end of the season, when the northbound whales swim further out, you will cruise up to 9-12 miles off the coast. ### Can I touch the whales? No. ### What should I wear? Dress in layers, as the temperature/winds are often unpredictable. Be prepared for cool weather even if it’s sunny outside. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. ### What time should I be there? Check-in is 30 minutes prior to your departure time. Allow enough time for traffic, to find parking and to check in for your boarding pass. The morning cruise boards at 9:15 am and the afternoon cruise boards at 1:15 pm. Seating is on a first come, first served basis. If you prefer a specific seating area, be early so you can be the first in line. ### Where do we board? Boarding is located at 990 N. Harbor Drive, at the corner of Broadway and Harbor Drive. Look for the ticket booth with the black awning for check in. ### Are whale sightings guaranteed? Yes. That means if you don’t see whales, Flagship Cruises will issue a "whale check" that is good for another whale watching cruise, good for any day of the week. Or, if you prefer, you may request a ticket for a 1 or 2 hour narrated tour instead. ### Will I get seasick? If you tend to have a problem with motion sickness, there is a chance you could get sea sick. It is recommended you take any medication before boarding the vessel. Wrist bands for motion sickness also work well. Either can be purchased at most drug stores. ### What if it rains? Tours are not necessarily cancelled due to rain, however if there is a wind advisory or if weather conditions are extremely poor, then it’s possible the tour will be cancelled by the Captain the morning of. If a tour is cancelled, Flagship Cruises will contact you at the phone number you provided. Should your tour be cancelled then you have a choice to either reschedule your tour for another date, or receive a full refund. ### Are Flagship Cruises & Events' boats safe? Yes, all of Flagship Cruises' vessels are inspected regularly and are 100% Coast Guard Certified. ### Is the boat wheelchair accessible? The vessel and interior main deck are accessible by ramp, however the exterior top deck and restrooms are not. ## Reviews > "Great time!" > — cloudycalm, April 17, 2026